Palestinians launch Gaza rocket attack

Six alleged members of the militant group Hamas were killed and two Israeli soldiers were injured in the operation, Ynetnews.com reported. Palestinians responded by launching a fusillade of Qassam rockets, with at least one landing in central Ashkelon, the Web site said.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak reportedly held a meeting Wednesday to discuss the situation and its ramifications.

"We have no intention to be dragged into an escalation in the Gaza Strip following this incident," an unnamed Israeli defense official told Ynetnews.com. "If the terror groups maintain the calm, so will we. If not, we will have to respond accordingly."

Islamic Jihad's al-Quds Brigades claimed responsibility for two of the rockets, saying, "Barak and (Kadima Party Leader Tzipi) Livni will not succeed in increasing their chances in the Israeli elections on Gaza's expense, which will blow up in their faces if they attempt to export their political problems into the Strip."